Newsletter Autumn 2007

 

Contents

1 Security
2 Development report.
3 WiFi
4 HSS Sailing Times – delay penalties
5.International Dragon Worlds
6 Electricity Supplies & odd and ends

 

1 – Security System

As advised in our last newsletter we are changing our security access system. The change over will be progressive and will be simply accomplished, with your co−operation. The current system using proximity cards will be phased out over the coming months. Replacement or new cards will not be issued. The new system installed and maintained by EasyDentic uses a fingerprint reader which will be located adjacent to the current card readers. Over the next months you and your “crew” are asked to come to the Administration⁄Reception desk between 9.00am and 9.00pm and register your index finger prints. This will provide the same access coverage as provided by the proximity card system. You will however always have two security access passes with you and hopefully you will not mislay or loose either of them! To some who might be concerned in providing their index finger prints, for whatever reason, it should be noted that the identification points of the print taken and registered is converted to digital format. This format is what is stored and reversion to your actual print is not possible. The system is fully acceptable in maintaining access security but cannot be used for forensic purposes. Finger print readers are fitted in the four locations previously used – that is 1– Main Entrance Door, 2 – Side entrance ramp, 3 – Forecourt entrance to Office area and 4 – Turnstile entrance from Royal Irish Yacht Club. Currently replacement cards or additional cards are a cost item – €6.00 each. The new system allows up to 50,000 identifications to be stored at no extra cost once the system is installed. We will however require authorisation from each berth holder to include the members of family and crew on the system as is currently the requirement for the access card.  The new system also maintains the capability of limiting access through positions at different times, limiting access for a specific period and cancelling approval⁄records as required when contracts are not renewed.  It is planned to cut over completely to the EasyDentic system no later than 1 st April 2008 at which time the card readers will be deactivated and removed. It will also cater for transient visitors.

2 – Development Report

The title of the song “Just in Time” was very appropriate to the completion of the extension of the Marina. The Facilities Barge was launched and commissioned four days before the Volvo-Dun Laoghaire Regatta. The west bight pontoons also came on stream at the same time and catered for a number of the E-Cover Half Ton Classic Cup competitors.  This event was running in parallel with the regatta.  With the provision of the disabled hoist and our associated sponsorship of two berths, the Irish Disabled Sailing Association and Spinal Injuries Ireland organisations are now established within the Marina.  We welcome them and assure them of our continued support.  We wish them well in their training and rehabilitation programmes.

3 – Wireless Internet / Broadband

Since the Marina opened we have been trying to obtain an acceptable Wireless Internet Broadband  service. Selfishly perhaps we have always indicated that any installation costs would be the responsibility of the system supplier and that the Marina would have no significant administrative costs. To date we have had several potential solutions but each has failed to meet basic standards of reliability and coverage.  Other Marinas both in Ireland and the UK have experienced similar problems to a greater or lesser extent. We have sourced a supplier that has received good references from independent Marina Management Companies operating a series of sites in the England, Wales and Scotland. We have therefore entered into an agreement with Oceanwave to install and support a broadband facility at Dun Laoghaire Marina. This facility is planned to be operational by October . Further information on the company can be obtained from their web site at http://www.myoceanwave.com/. It is hoped, and expected that those who wish, will be able to access the web from their boats on the Marina. It should also be noted that once registered with Oceanwave, if you visit another Marina which has Oceanwave broadband available you can access the system through your existing account.

4 – HSS Sailing Times – delayed departure – penalty fines.

Recently there have been occasions when the departure or arrival of the STENA HSS has been delayed due to leisure craft encroaching on the fairway and impeding the ships passage. In such cases where the craft is identified, the Harbour Master imposes a fine of €280 under the Harbour Byelaws. The scheduled arrival and departure times are repeated below and you are advised to keep a good lookout during these time periods. Also listen intently as the ships entering the Harbour make a single long blast on the ships horn approaching the Harbour  and again a pre–departure blast is made some five minutes before breakaway and again when heading out from the berth towards the Harbour Mouth – you have been warned!!

Arrival 1045 hours
Departure 1110 hrs

Arrival   1720 hours
Departure 1800 hours  

 
5 – International Dragon Class – World Championships

As many of you will already be aware the International Dragon class World Championships are being sailed in Dublin Bay from 1st to 7th September.  Dun Laoghaire Marina has been asked to provide berthing for the fleet of approximately 70 boats.  This is a major event with a high international profile.  Some berth holders within the “T” lagoon have been asked to temporarily move to other suitable visitor berths. Their co–operation is appreciated and every effort is being made to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum. 

6 – Elecrticity & Odds n Ends

As part of our continuing policy to be eco-friendly the marina has changed to AirTricity for the electricity supplies for the Marina. 

Reduced utilisation  As we approach the end of another season we would remind those who may be leaving their boats for extended periods unattended that there is no substitute for proper fenders and warps. Deflated fenders and frayed warps offer no security of mind. While the Marina staff will be checking on a daily basis, lines that appeared secure can part without any warning.  Securing your boat on a fine day may look satisfactory but can prove to be totally inadequate when gales come through.  It is also recommended that in order to avoid condensation build up in your fuel tanks you fill them to the brim.  Condensation causes corrosion in metal tanks and also allows the microbiological bug to thrive in the separation zone between water and fuel.  Fresh water tanks and associated supply piping benefit from being drained in case of frost. It is also useful to flush the heads and pump dry, as salt water when stagnant is somewhat unpleasant.Dehumidifiers – ensure these are serviced before you leave them unattended – remember the last news letter. 

West Pier Launch service  In order to clarify the operation of the Launch service to the west pier bight – Piers W, X and Y,  it is necessary to detail the following points . 1– Accessibility – ferry service is available from 0900 to Sunset – this is as detailed in the Passenger Licence issued by the Department of the Marine. If you are out after sunset contact the Marina to establish a temporary berth on the main Marina for the night until the service is available on the following day. 2 – Obviously during the winter period the sunset cut–off will occur earlier through to January and then increase as the days gets longer. 3 – recognising the lack of 24⁄7 access and associated reduced facilities the annual berthing fees have been reduced by 25%. The extra costs of staffing and the ferry unit itself have all being absorbed in this costing.

Sincerely,

Hal Bleakley

General Manager.